Naming a watch after an animal that treats a rotting wildebeest as an all-you-can-eat buffet is probably not the best PR move in the world. But with its bright UV backlighting and its trio of deer-in-the-headlights LEDs, we’re blinded by this timepiece’s beauty too much to care about something so trivial as its moniker.
Originally developed exclusively for the U.S. Special Forces (yes!) and other military and law enforcement units, the MTM Special Ops watch is forged from a single block of aeronautical-grade titanium. So, despite its bulky size, the Vulture is surprisingly light.
The torture-compliant exterior plating uses an ultra-premium DLC (short for diamond-like carbon). This only adds to the watch’s macho Hummerish toughness and its eye-appealing fashion-conscious, black-on-black carbon-fiber dial.
But what is truly unique about the Vulture is dual sets of UV and LED lights. Waterproof to 660 feet, thanks to a screw-down case back and crown buttons, the Vulture illuminates the face with a cool purple-blue UV backlight on the first push of the top right button. A second push of this button sets off a retina-searing, “You will confess,” trio of LED lights. These blinders can last up to eight hours on a hiking path, underwater or wherever you would otherwise use a flashlight.
The light set is powered by a rechargeable lithium ion battery rated at 10 years (the watch movement is powered separately by a three-year watch battery). Recharge with a conveniently included USB cable that plugs into a computer or the AC power adapter. With casual use the lights can stay powered on one charge for about a month. Stick the LEDs on for a few hours straight and you’ll be recharging soon thereafter.
While the UV lights make the watch glow like a radioactive fuel rod, they can also be uses to read counterfeit money, bloodstains and other CSI-like marks not visible to the naked eye.
If there is anything to quibble about the Vulture it’s the natural rubber strap, which fits either loosely or as tight as a tourniquet. The watch also is available with a titanium metal watch band, equally black and more adjustable to individual comfort.
WIRED G.I. Joe military-style watch offers brute-strength ruggedness in a light titanium case with particularly bright sets of UV and LED lights. Versatile on land and under 600-plus feet of water. Cleverly uses a USB connection to recharge light batteries.
TIRED Standard issue rubber strap is uncomfortable and a bit too bulky.
See Also: